Grow Through It: Inspiration for Weathering Life's Seasons

by Dani DiPirro

A colorful, illustrated guide to learning how to adopt a more positive mindset, even when your life may seem gray and stormy, from a wildly popular Instagram artist

Beautifully illustrated and heartfelt, this little book shares big insights about how to stay positive in an increasingly negative world. Artist Dani DiPirro started her Instagram, PositivelyPresent, after she realized that positivity, like all self-care, is an essential skill that needs to be practiced daily. She began posting her bright and bubbly illustrations, sharing the ups and downs of her journey to positive thinking.

In Grow Through It, Dani shares never-before-seen content to take us through the seasons, and she shows us how to pick out the positives on both sunny days and snowy ones. She also reminds you to take breaks for self-care, to stop comparing yourself to others, and to grow at your own pace. No matter what the circumstance, this book shows you how optimism is always an option!

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Dani DiPirro is an author and illustrator based in Bethesda, MD. You can learn more about Dani at Positivelypresent.com.

Reviews

[Kayleigh Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everyone else, it’s been a tough year. While it has certainly taught me to have deep appreciation for the little things, that hasn’t stopped some days feeling like an uphill struggle (Groundhog Day anyone?!)

Since this little beauty arrived in the post, I’ve found myself flicking through and always finding a few pages that resonate, and sum up what’s going on. As you might expect if you’re already familiar with Dani’s page and blog (and if you’re not, I highly recommend!), her work offers comfort, reassurance and I’ve found it to help to reframe some of the negativity in my thoughts and mood, or just some encouragement in the day to day challenges of staying afloat at the moment.

I’d highly recommend a copy of this for yourself, and/or sending in love and support to someone who’s struggling a bit right now 💕

[Steph Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and awesome heart felt advice and inspiration for all ages!!!! 🙏🏼💜🙌🏼

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy gifted to me from the publishers Omara Books for review!

Beautifully powerful and colourful guide using the four seasons on planet Earth for different advice regarding making life changes and finding motivation and courage to be brave and chase your passions, despite all the knock-backs along the way.

[Zwart Raafje · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a beautiful book! I loved the words of wisdom inside, especially all the grains of salt that came with many of them. No toxic positivity here! I think everyone can find something inspiring in this book.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly gifted this as part of the book tour in exchange for an honest review.

"having roots in the past doesn't prevent a fresh start"

"productivity isn't everything it's okay to take a break"

This book is a colourful guide to making changes in your life and finding motivation and courage to be brave despite knock backs. Which is particularly important in these crazy COVID times.

This book is not my usual read and it took me a while to get used to the style and the books purpose but once I did I found myself enjoying it. This book is beautifully illustrated and has a really lovely tone to it. It's presented as a self help book but it doesn't come across as preachy, instead it suggests small ways to make changes for the better.

I really like the fact that this book is different for everyone. The quotes aren't over explained so it leaves room for your own interpretation which I really loved.

Personally I wish I had dipped in and out of this book instead of sitting down and reading it in one. I think that would have made the experience better but I will definitely be coming back to some of the quotes particularly on my down days.

The only thing I will say was that some of the quotes felt disconnected with little follow up or explanation and almost a bit random in parts which made the book flow a little less smoothly.

I did enjoy this book and would recommend it as a useful read in these crazy times (and as the perfect addition to your coffee table).

[Kerry Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review
-As soon as I saw one of my favourite Instagram accounts (@postivelypresent) on an invite to take part in a book tour, I jumped at the chance.
I suffer with a mental health illness and Dani’s account has help me stay grounded, to look after my own well-being, stay positive and above all to put a smile on my face.
Grow Through it is a new hardback book that shares never before seen content. It takes us through the seasons and reminds us how to weather them. The illustrations are adorable and the quotes and phrases are perfect.
Spring was my favourite section. ‘It takes a lot of effort to seek out the sun and where there is a shadow there is light’ were quotes that really resonated with me.
This is by far one of my favourite reads. It is now firmly placed next to my bed for me to refer to when I need a bit of reflection.
I’ve already purchased it for 2 of my friends as gifts and will continue to do so. It’s pocket sized so can be carried around with you whenever you need some positive vibes.

[Danielle Amor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gorgeous little book. It’s bright rainbow colours are so inspiring and it just makes me smile! It is definitely a guide in learning to adopt a positive mindset.

The book is beautifully illustrated and so unique. There are four sections Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter but they are devised to be turned to based on your feelings and circumstances and not by the season itself.

My personal favourite at the moment is winter because I think it really touches home on what we are all experiencing during this pandemic. Needing Rest, Feeling Overwhelmed, Planning for the Future etc.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I already plan on buying it for several friends who I think will benefit from this.

Check out how gorgeous this book is on my previous reel post! Link - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CKwGHV...

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️ Growing Through it: Inspiration for weathering life’s seasons by Dani Dipirro

This little book which is bursting with colour and wisdom will fill you with joy. Well it certainly ticked all my boxes. Frankly given the current climate this is precisely what I needed, beautiful illustrations and quotes to ponder over and just give you that boost that you needed. We all have stressful lives but at the moment it is especially hard when lots of people are suffering much more with mental health. So many of these quotes just resonate with day to day life issues. We kick off with focusing on three things: acceptance, balance and change and then incorporating these with how each season brings different possibilities to help you grow. I mean it is just wonderful. We journey through each season receiving wonderful nuggets of advice to boost your emotions and help you acknowledge them.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, of course silly question! Everyone should get their hands on this lovely book. Really, it is a unbelievably useful and interesting guide to personal growth with the added fun of the most wonderful illustrations which fill you with joy. What is not to like?! So, this is certainly something I will be picking up again and it will look quite nice on the bookshelf too! Definitely the perfect gift for a friend or family!

Thanks so much for this #gifted copy from @positivelypresent and @lovebookstours

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and one everyone can take away something valuable from during these challenging times of covid and political chaos.

[Corrie Anne Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow through it

This is absolutely delightful! From the wonderful illustrations to the inspirational quotes.

A cheerful and colourful book that is full of handy tips, quotes and advice specific to the four seasons.

This book uplifted my spirits no end and I will come back to it time and time again.

A joy to read!

thanks to @lovebookstours and Dani DePirro for my copy!

[theweebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I opened the mail I was enchanted with this book, the cover is beautiful and bright.

I was delighted to receive this book to read and review. Like most, if not all, this year for me has been one of the toughest ever. This amazing little book arrived just at the right time. Dani guides us through the seasons with pages of thoughtful messages and beautiful illustrations which I found inspirational and reassuring. The book will stay close to me so that I can pick it up when I need it.

I am currently learning mindfulness and I feel that and Dani's book to be a wonderful combination for me. Dani has a lovely Instagram page @positivelypresent and I recommend taking a look at it as well checking out this book.

I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ł e X I E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations in this book, as well as the messages. I’m a big fan of the Instagram account, and am happy that this book has a home on my shelf.

[Michelle ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

such beautiful illustrations & motivating quotes!

[Tressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the eBook version of this title but I think the hardcover would be a really nice addition to my "coffee table" book collection. It's full of inspiring (but realistic!) tidbits accompanied by soothing illustrations. This is something that I would look at again and again as the seasons change.

[Rhianydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliant book beautiful illustration very colourful book get you in a good mood when you feeling down lift you spirits up. The book is a guide about winter spring summer autumn if you need a pick me up like winter you can turn to winter and has a uplifting stories about winter to help you mind with positive thoughts like a self help book I think everyone should read this such a great book x I was so excited when I received this thank you

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book packed with colourful, cute illustrations and quotes! I think this would help me get through my SAD over the coming years :)

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and thoughtful sentiments. Everytime I pick up this book, I get something different from it. Highly recommend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and well executed.

[Jenny K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful illustrations coupled with lovely words of inspiration. Love this little book. I plan to refer back to it often!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow Through It is a short colorful read with words of wisdom by author and illustrator Dani Dipirro. This is broken into 4 sections for each season. I love all the colors and illustrations and the fact that it is a fast read. These “quotes” didn’t feel cliche and they make you think. I highly recommend reading this and following her on Instagram @positivelypresent

[Amanda Chua · Rating 4 out of 5]

T’was a short but cute read...I really like the illustrations and even took a few snaps of the pages that felt closer to home.

Thank you for reminding & validating certain points that I’ve yet to pen or type it down but may have always had that thought at the back of my mind :)

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like having a friend in a book - a friend who gives kind and wise advice. Have enjoyed looking through the illustrations all year and the seasonal reminders.

[Carol Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little book of hope, positivity, love, self belief & growing through life. The images and words are stunning vibrant perfect book to delve into time and time again.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Productivity isn’t everything. It’s okay to take a break.

There is never a “perfect” moment. Don’t wait.

You won’t feel this way forever.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person (in fact, especially if you don’t consider yourself a creative person), making time for imagination and exploring a creative pursuit is worthwhile. Take time to play, to make, to be silly. Take time to look at clouds and wish on stars and imagine ridiculous things. It might seem frivolous, but it’s one of the most productive things you can do.

Trees shed their leaves in autumn so winter snows won’t break their branches. You, too, have to let go of some things to make sure that you can thrive.

Your worth is not measured by how productive you are. Taking time to rest, reflect, and recover is what winter is all about.

Not a single one of us is a finished product. Every day, every moment, is a chance to grow, change, and explore new ways of being and thinking. Yes, you might wish you were in a different stage, but know that you’re not alone in this. Wanting to grow is a good thing, but recognizing that it’s okay to be in the process of becoming is just as important.

Great advice and inspiration for all ages. I will definitely be looking through this book over and over throughout the years. 5 stars.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed something a little more cheerful/inspirational and decided to pull this book off my shelf. I have followed the author on social media for awhile now so it seemed like it would be a good time to read her book. If you are at all familiar with DiPirro's work then these lovely colorful illustrations with inspirational (although not gaudy or over the top, etc.) will be familiar to you.

This is arranged by seasons, with DiPirro recommended how to read the book depending on your mood/needs. Each season/section then has illustrations of whatever sentiment she is trying to convey, reflecting the illustration/season/holiday, etc. Nothing new and will be familiar to the reader if they follow her social media.

And it being "not new" is certainly not a criticism. I thought it was quite nice to have so many of her words arranged in this way, to make it more of a hybrid reference/inspirational book (take what you need at the time, etc.) so I thought this might be "better" for some, depending on your needs.

That said, I am certain that this is not a book for everyone. Once you've read a few and/or know her social media then there's not a lot that's "new" to the reader, so your perspective may depend. Overall, though, I liked this a lot and would find this book a comfort at times.

I bought this and it was right for me.

[Nadia Redhuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually rather a cheapskate when buying books and I am not fond of buying books with just quotes, especially if they only take up half pages all the way.
But this one is an exception. It is mostly quotes but here is why it is a great book:
1. Relating challenges in life and the resilience you need to SEASONS is not easy. It can seem cringey (or try-hard?) if not done right. But here, you can see the relations!
2. Exquisite illustrations 😍 Just basking through the illustrations is a delight and good for your mindfulness as it is.
3. A great instant pick-me-up. I can say that through experience! I was going through a tricky time at that point, picked up the book probably the night before my flight, started and finished it on my plane ride. I really felt “lighter”- I didn’t feel like my burden was dragging me down to the ground so much. I really did feel more inspired to be more positive to go through my challenges.

Hope it doesn’t sound too far-fetched 😆 But just have an open mind picking it up and be open to just enjoy the ride (of reading the book). I know I’d like to do so every now and then if I get too bogged down by something 🙂

[Bookish801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the readers through all the seasons of the year, comparing them to the seasons of life, with touching little bits of wisdom. A few of my favorite quotes are: "Comfort is not the same as contentment" and "There is a difference between planning and worrying".

Dani Dipirro is such a talented artist. I love her inspirational quotes pared with gorgeous colorful art. You can literally open any page at random and enjoy your daily dose of positivity! Keep it on your work desk or coffee table at home and share the daily reminders for self-care, mindfulness and positive outlook with yourself and others.

This book is much needed in our busy lives. It's so easy to go down the negativity lane with eveything that's happening around us. This book helps you stop and focus on the good, be content and enjoy the present.

[Ash.O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect little pocket reference for a pick-me-up. Plus, it's gorgeous and easy to read and reference. I like that you can read through it chronologically, skip around, visit a specific season for the time of year, or visit a season based on how you're feeling and what you need (the author even has a handy little breakdown at the beginning with some prompts for different feelings/experiences and which season contains the best inspiration for them). 10/10 will read and reference again.

[Haunted CyndiLou (Cyndi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to keep close to refer back to when you need inspiration, encouragement, or some rebalancing. Wonderful artwork throughout, and separated into seasons, so it’s easy to find just what your heart needs that day!